We love André Balaz’s hotels. The Standards, Sunset Beach, and our fav — Chateau Marmont. All are uniquely chic, cozy, and anything but boring. There’s also that sense that something dangerous and illicit is percolating under the surface, which adds to the allure. Case in point when The Standard Meatpacking caused a huge ruckus with all the bonking brouhaha. You would think this wouldn’t have been such a big deal given the area’s scuzzy past, but I guess our beloved city has indeed evolved. Sigh… But an amazingly fabulous and tasty dining out scene is the silver lining to New York’s Puritanification.
On the Bowery looking north toward East Fifth Street—now the Standard East Village. Photograph by Brian Rose
Newcomer The Standard East hotel has settled in nicely on the Bowery, which has also (mostly) bid adieu to its gritty past. The hotel’s fabulous restaurant Narcissa is beautiful both on the inside and out. The garden is especially fabulous for summer into the best time of year which is now. There’s nothing better than a New York City fall. The front bar is perfect for a post-work cocktail or a casual (hopefully boozy) brunch with a friends, or even a lazy latte if you’re actually staying in the hotel. We managed to pull some strings and get an outside table for 8 in the garden, which was secluded and special. Highly recommend trying to snag this coveted table.
Onto the actual food…
Special tomato salad was incredible, as was the chicken for two (highlight). Also amazing was the steamed bass in aromatic French curry broth. Everything tasted fresh and unfussy, showcasing the quality of the farm fresh produce.
Our crew ended up camping out for a 4.5 hour dinner (partially due to the comfort of the lovely table) which was an amazing experience, washed down with several bottles of vino. Narcissa is a great all around spot and will be a new fixture for the neighborhood.
Narcissa
21 Cooper Square (5th Street and Bowery)
New York NY
t. 212 228 3344
